DAN Jeffries’ remarkable reign at Trowbridge RFC has drawn to a premature end, with the head coach stepping down because of personal reasons.

Jeffries couldn’t make Saturday’s 21-5 defeat away to Windsor, and he later confirmed to the Wiltshire Times that the previous weekend’s two-point loss at Sherborne would be his last at the club for the foreseeable future.

Since joining Trowbridge, Jeffries has without question transformed the club’s fortunes.

The first team and second team had just been relegated from their respective leagues, the third team withdrew from the league due to a lack of numbers and any thoughts of a fourth team were simply non-existent at the time of his arrival.

But after taking the reins, Jeffries has guided Trowbridge’s first team into South West One (East) – the region’s second tier – and ensured their survival from relegation back into Southern Counties.

In addition, the club was awarded the 2019 Wiltshire Times Club of the Year award, and a fourth team now plays in Dorset & Wilts Three (North).

The above underlines what Jeffries has brought to the club, and he was understandably sad to see his reign draw to a close.

He said: “The club is in a big and strong position.

“I always want to leave a club in a better position compared to when I first join, and I think that’s the case with Trowbridge.

“At some point I’ll return to a club, maybe Trowbridge, but I’ve really enjoyed my time there.

“This season, we looked like we were going to achieve something the club has never done before by staying up in South West One (East) twice – and I still think the team is in a good place to do that.”

Jeffries’ departure also sees Lloyd Davis step down from his role as assistant.

Though Trowbridge’s first team sit in one of the regional second tier’s three relegation zones, Jeffries is confident the club has the tools to avoid relegation this term.

The club has never managed to stay in South West One (East) for three seasons, but Jeffries underlined his belief that the club can re-write its own history.

He added: “There are some great young players coming through, and the general flow within the club is strong.

“I wish Trowbridge my very best.

“Moving the club to four teams is a huge accomplishment, it was excellent to be part of that

“Last year, although we were disappointed with our league position, we picked points off of every team.

“We were beating Newbury for 60 minutes, and proved the talent we have.

“I’m disappointed to be stepping away at this point because there are a number of players at Trowbridge that have the ability to play National League rugby.”

Trowbridge return to action on Saturday when hosting 10th place Wimborne.